Farmers Creek vegetation management project

17 December, 2020

Lithgow City Council is continuing the work to the environment of Farmers Creek. This includes the staged revegetation of the Oakey Park area.

“Lithgow City Council is committed to improving its management of public spaces and the natural environment. It is understood that our natural environment, particularly Farmers Creek, offers significant benefit to our residents in terms of amenity and sense of community,” said Lithgow City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Ray Thompson.

Council has undertaken assessments of the length of Farmers Creek to identify areas requiring specific, targeted works. The Oakey Park area has been identified as requiring urgent attention.

The area has an abundance of Golden Robinias. These are a non-native weed with spines poisonous to humans. Without active management, they are prone to producing large numbers of root suckers, creating dense thickets that exclude native vegetation. Additionally, many of these trees have hollow, rotten cores which pose a risk of snapping and falling. The trees require removal.

To preserve biodiversity, create habitat, maintain stream stability and enhance visual amenity replacement native vegetation will be planted. A regeneration plan is being developed in consultation with the local Oakey Park Landcare group to guide the re-planting. Once the revegetation is complete, the next stage of robinia removal will occur prior to further revegetation.

“Working with the community to obtain a positive outcome while also meeting the environmental and safety objectives is of the utmost importance,” said Mayor Thompson. “Should any resident wish to discuss this project, we invite them to reach out to Council at their convenience.”